Nature: Amazing Abilities 4

– The resurrection plant –

“The resurrection plant, scientifically known as Selaginella lepidophylla, is an extraordinary species in the plant kingdom. Found predominantly in arid regions of North and Central America, it possesses an incredible capability to survive extreme drought conditions.

During prolonged dry periods, the plant desiccates, curling its leaves inward to form a dormant, ball-like structure. In this state, it appears lifeless and can remain so for years. However, the plant’s vital processes merely slow down, not cease entirely, a phenomenon known as ‘poikilohydry’. It is one of the few organisms on Earth that can survive almost complete water loss.

The true spectacle occurs when the plant encounters water again. Within hours, the shriveled plant unfurls and regains its green hue, seemingly resurrecting from the dead. This ability to spring back to life has not only earned it the name ‘resurrection plant’ but also makes it a fascinating subject of study for scientists exploring climate change adaptation strategies. Its remarkable resilience is a testament to the astonishing adaptability of life on Earth.”

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

The resurrection plant is commonly found in ______ regions of North and Central America.
This plant has a remarkable ability to survive extreme ______ conditions.
When faced with dry periods, the plant enters a ______ state, forming a ball-like structure.
The plant’s ability to survive almost complete water loss is known as ‘________’.
Upon encountering water, the seemingly lifeless plant ______ and regains its green color.
The resurrection plant’s extraordinary resilience makes it a subject of ______ for scientists studying climate change adaptation strategies.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

The resurrection plant, native to the ______ areas of North and Central America, exhibits an incredible adaptation to endure severe ______ conditions. In response to lack of water, it desiccates and rolls its leaves into a dormant, ball-shaped form, a state known as ‘______’. While it seems lifeless in this state, the plant’s crucial processes merely slow, without completely halting. The spectacle of rejuvenation occurs when the plant is rehydrated. It rapidly ______, regaining its vibrant green color, a remarkable trait that has led scientists to study it for potential ______ change adaptation strategies. Its extreme resilience is a striking illustration of life’s ______ capacity to adapt.

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original word	Variants used
Extraordinary	______________
Arid	______________
Drought	______________
Desiccates	______________
Organisms	______________
Unfurls	______________
Fascinating	______________